October 7, 1958 – April 26, 2025
Born in Oakland, California, Michael was the oldest of five brothers. He grew up in Concord, graduated from Clayton Valley High School and attended Diablo Valley College. He earned his pilot’s license at age 16 and at age 18 made a cross-country solo flight. Aviation became his life-long love and passion.
Michael had an 18-year career with the California Highway Patrol, after which he held positions in fraud investigation and worked at Russian River RV Storage in Healdsburg.
He moved to Cloverdale in 2003 and loved everything about living here. He was a member of the Cloverdale Lions Club, participating in many community events. He loved the parades, the Citrus Fair and Friday Night Live. In 2016, he became the Airport Manager for the Cloverdale Municipal Airport, a position he proudly held for the remainder of his life.
Michael was friendly, outgoing and charismatic. He made friends wherever he went, and those who knew him, both personally and professionally, described him as a great guy, genuine and kind, always willing to help. Michael was an excellent cook and an amateur photographer. He and his wife took cruises to Mexico and Alaska and traveled to Hawaii often. He loved life and left us far too soon.
Michael is survived by his wife, Janice, mother, Earleen, daughter, Megan Ceja, stepson Jesse (Kristine) Atkinson and stepdaughter Jordan Atkinson. He was “Paco” to his grandchildren Jesus, Emalee, Bianca, Ruby and Ivy. He is also survived by brothers, Matt (Beth), Steve (Peggy), and John (Jeniece). He was the best dog-dad ever to his loving and devoted boys, Kash and Leo. Michael was preceded in death by his father, Ed and his youngest brother Jeff.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Pacific Coast Air Museum (PCAM) on July 12th from 1 – 3 p.m. Donations in Michael’s memory may be made to the Cloverdale Lion’s Club or to PCAM for the restoration of the Butler Hangar.
